Telemark’s rebirth as a destination resort for outdoor enthusiasts will be managed by Telemark Partners, LLC. Ric Ahern and Steve Kaufman, the principals at Telemark Partners, reported that, “Putting this deal together has been a marathon much like the world famous American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race which calls Telemark home. The negotiations have had their ups and downs and seemed to be never ending. Now we have reached the finish line in the acquisition and we feel that we are all winners!”
Telemark Resort, under the Management of Telemark Partners, was reopened Jan, 20th 2011 in time for the American Birkebeiner providing outdoor enthusiasts from around the world a warm welcome and comfortable rooms, food services, groomed Nordic trails, an indoor pool, spa and numerous other amenities.
An agreement to purchase the property from Dick Short’s Glance Inc. has been reached with Paul Eckerline and Telemark Partners to operate the resort. The closing is scheduled for April 1st. The partnership will now move forward and explore the many opportunities for the future of the resort. More news will be coming soon.
The partners state, “Telemark’s foundation is sound and its brand is unique and world famous.” Telemark is a resort that greets thousands of guests each February as they arrive to participate and celebrate the Birkie. The flashing beacon on Mt. Telemark lets them know that they have arrived someplace special. The resort both figuratively and literally warms its guest’s hearts with its massive stone fireplace and the warm welcome and hospitality of its staff. Telemark’s solid foundation and unique brand equity will provide a firm base on which to once again build a profitable and sustainable enterprise.
Telemark, named after the Telemark region of Norway, was founded in 1946 by Tony Wise as one of America’s first alpine ski areas. In 1973 Tony started the American Birkebeiner, modeled after the Norwegian race of the same name. The current lodge, which sits amid Telemark’s 1100 plus acres of beautiful rolling and tree covered hills, was built in 1972. By that time, Telemark had become the centerpiece of cross-country skiing in America and a destination for skiers worldwide. In addition to the Birkie, Telemark traditionally hosts numerous regional, national and international cross-country skiing, cycling and running events annually. The Chequamegon Fat Tire (Mtn Bike) Festival has gained a reputation for fun and furious competition.
Media inquiries regarding Telemark’s continued revival should be directed to the Telemark office at 715-798-3400.
To make Telemark your destination, once and again, call 715-798-3400 or 888-757-1943 for room reservations.
Source: CXC
Ben Theyerl
Ben Theyerl was born into a family now three-generations into nordic ski racing in the US. He grew up skiing for Chippewa Valley Nordic in his native Eau Claire, Wisconsin, before spending four years racing for Colby College in Maine. He currently mixes writing and skiing while based out of Crested Butte, CO, where he coaches the best group of high schoolers one could hope to find.
